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The Chief Bricks Journal

Real-world advice replaces fluff here.

Explore expert insights on reclaimed materials, design trends, installation guides, case studies, and the history behind the bricks and stones that shape today’s best projects.

Mortar for New York Reclaimed Bricks: Local Climate, Local Materials

Mortar for New York Reclaimed Bricks: Local Climate, Local Materials

New York reclaimed bricks already proved themselves in tough weather. The real question is whether your mortar can keep up without grinding that history away.

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How to Repoint Reclaimed Brick with NHL 3.5 (Homeowner-Friendly Guide)

How to Repoint Reclaimed Brick with NHL 3.5 (Homeowner-Friendly Guide)

Repointing reclaimed brick is not about brute force; it is about careful prep, the right NHL 3.5 mortar, and a few simple habits that keep old bricks happy.

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How to Choose the Right Mortar for Your Reclaimed Brick Project

How to Choose the Right Mortar for Your Reclaimed Brick Project

Choosing mortar for reclaimed brick is not just about grabbing a bag off the shelf. It is about matching strength, climate, and design so your wall ages gracefully.

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What Is NHL 3.5 Mortar and Why It’s Ideal for Reclaimed Brick

What Is NHL 3.5 Mortar and Why It’s Ideal for Reclaimed Brick

Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) 3.5 mortar strikes the balance reclaimed bricks need: strong enough to hold, soft enough to protect, and breathable enough to handle real weather.

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Why Reclaimed Bricks Need Different Mortar Than New Bricks

Why Reclaimed Bricks Need Different Mortar Than New Bricks

Learn why reclaimed bricks should not be paired with standard cement mortars, and how lime-based NHL 3.5 mortar protects both character and structure.

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